Birchbox April 2014 Review

April 12, 2014

I’m sure the courier who delivers my beauty boxes thinks I’m absolutely mad because I squeal with delight every single time!

I have to say I’m really impressed with this month’s Birchbox on every factor except one – the new delivery box! The outer box was taped shut and I scored the box beneath in my excitement to find the treasure inside! I know it’s only a tiny thing but the usual boxes were just fine! Anyway, tiny side-issue nitpicking aside, this really is a great box, and though it has only one full size product (and one full size lifestyle extra) alongside four sample sizes, I’m really excited about every single product (and how often does that happen?!)

TheBalm Cosmetics – How ‘Bout Them Apples Cheek & Lip Cream in Pie

I love these tiny TheBalm samples as they take up so little space in my make-up bag. This is a multitasking product that can be used both as a cream blush and a lip colour in a gorgeous pinky-red shade. If the quick play I had with this is anything to go by I will be rushing to get the full palette sometime soon! I’m usually more of a powder blush girl but this blended so smoothly into a subtle flush of colour that I could see myself being converted towards the way of the cream blusher!

When I first spotted this I thought it was another nail polish, but actually it is a make-up base. Not quite a primer (however it does promise to make your foundation last longer!) but a moisturising skin prep. It’s a very lightweight lotion with quite a thin consistency but a quick test on the back of the hand did leave my skin very soft and even. Perhaps something for those days when I’m in a hurry and just want something to throw my foundation on top of!

Birchbox sent an email a few weeks ago allowing subscribers to choose which colour of polish they would receive, which was a really nice touch and ensured that no-one got lumbered with a shade they would not wear. I picked this lovely metallic mint green and I’m happy to say it’s even prettier in person that I expected. I don’t really buy into the seasonal nail varnish trends but if you are the sort that does I think this would be great for a pretty spring shade. The swatch above is only one coat, though I’d likely go with two and a top cot on my nails for longevity!

A squeezable body butter? I wasn’t convinced at first (and it is really more of a thick lotion than a butter!) but actually this is very luxurious and left my skin feeling extremely soft. The scent isn’t something I’d pick out myself and it’s quite strong, however I don’t dislike it enough not to use the rest of this up based on how well it moisturises.

Made with a whole host of natural organic ingredients and a lovely wholesome scent, this moisturiser won me over right away. It’s got quite a citrus smell but not so overwhelming that you wouldn’t want to use it on your face. The consistency is quite light and I think this will make for a lovely day moisturiser (though unfortunately it has no SPF) however I won’t be using it myself as it says that it is not suitable for those with oily skin *sadface*.

I’ve been snacking on popcorn a lot recently so this was a pleasant surprise! At only 40 calories I didn’t feel even slightly guilty tucking into it and was so surprised at how sweet and flavoursome it was for such a healthy treat! I’m not the biggest fan of coconut but the flavour was very subtle and really you could have told me this was just sweet popcorn and I’d have believed you. Absolutely scrumptious and definitely going on my food shopping list!

Gemma is a full time vocal coach and co-director of Birmingham Rockschool, a music school for children aged 7-17. She is the frontwoman for progressive power metal band Dakesis. Her favourite bands are Manowar, Symphony X and Nightwish and her favourite brands are Benefit, Urban Decay and Soap & Glory. She lives in Birmingham, Uk with her three cats Helena, Jack and Stark most of the time, and spends the rest of her days in Rotterdam, NL.

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